Preserving Relic Building Reinforcements: Strategies and Best Practices

Introduction

When building construction is halted for an extended period, safeguarding the existing reinforcement is crucial to ensure the integrity of the structure. This article explores the best practices and strategies for preserving and managing leftover columns and reinforcements, whether the project will resume soon or not.

Options for Halting Construction

If the construction work has stopped for more than a year and you have leftover columns and reinforcements, there are several options to consider:

Apply Corrosive Coating:Coating the reinforcements with an anti-corrosive paint or cement slurry can help prevent rust and maintain the integrity of the steel. Remove and Replace: Inspect the reinforcement and remove any severely damaged pieces. Replace them with new steel and apply the anti-corrosive coating before resuming construction. Protect with Plastic Covering:Cover the columns with plastic sheeting and mark them for future construction. This keeps the steel dry and prevents further damage. Freeze for Later Use:If no immediate construction plans exist, store the columns and reinforcements in a protective environment, such as covered storage, to avoid corrosion.

Assessing the Condition of Reinforcements

Before taking any action, it is essential to assess the condition of the existing reinforcement:

1. Wire Brush Method:Clean the rusty reinforcement using a wire brush. If the diameter of the rod reduces by more than 1mm after cleaning, it is advisable to use a smaller diameter rod (e.g., reducing a 25mm rod to 24mm).

2. Measuring the Diameter:Measure the diameter of the rosin after cleaning. If the reduction is less than 2mm, the rod can be reused after applying an anti-corrosive paint or cement slurry.

3. Consulting a Structural Engineer:If the reduction in diameter is more than 2mm, consult a structural engineer to ensure that the reduction does not compromise the structural integrity of the building.

Short-Term Storage and Coverage

When there is no immediate plan to resume construction, consider the following temporary measures:

Use Plastic Covering:Cover the reinforcement with plastic sheeting to protect it from moisture and air, which can accelerate corrosion. Install with Polythene:Enclose the exposed reinforcement with thin concrete (lean concrete) and cover it with polythene to prevent direct contact with moisture and air. Quote with Cement Slurry:Apply a thin layer of cement slurry to the exposed reinforcement and cover it with polythene.

Continuing Construction

If you decide to resume construction:

Prepare the Surface:Before re-applying the reinforcement, ensure the concrete surface is free from dust, oils, and other contaminants. Create a frictional surface by surface preparations or drilling small holes to anchor the new reinforcement. Apply Anti-Corrosive Coating:Apply an anti-corrosive coating to the newly prepared surface to prevent further rusting. Install and Secure:Place the new reinforcement according to the design specifications and secure it using appropriate reinforcement materials. Apply Nito Bond and pour ‘shoe’ concrete around the reinforcement. Finally, install shuttering and pour the concrete.

Debilitating the Structure

Should you choose to abandon the project, consider the following options:

Disassemble and Recycle:Cut the reinforcement bars using gas cutting and break the concrete. This allows you to remove and recycle the steel and concrete, reducing waste. Demolition:If no reuse of materials is possible, demolition is a viable option. Ensure that the entire structure is demolished to the ground level to remove all traces of the construction.

Conclusion

Preserving leftover reinforcement during an extended building project requires careful planning and execution. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can prevent corrosion, ensure the structural integrity of the building, and prepare for future construction with confidence.